Photographic product



April 14, 1959 l. ERLlCHMAN PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCT 4' Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 29. 1955 FIG.

' (13?. M ATTORNEYS FIG. 2

I. ERLlCHMAN PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCT Apyfl 14, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 29. 1955 FIG.

2 M ATTORNEYS April 14, 1959 l. ERLICHMAN PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCT 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 29. 1955 FIG. 5

INVENTQR.

ATTORNEYS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Z EINYENTOR.

MW 4 M ATTORNEYS l. ERLICHMAN PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCT FIG. 6

FIG. 7

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April 14, 1959 Filed Dec. 29. 1955 flt s PatentO 2,882,155 PHOTOGRAPHIC PRODUCT Application December 29, 1955, Serial No. 556,218 23 Claims. (Cl. 96-76) This invention relates to photography and moreparticularly to novel photographic products including a fluid composition.

Photographic assemblages in the form of film units have been proposed comprising a photosensitive sheet and a second sheet secured together in superposed relation. The two sheets are preferably opaque to the wavelengths of light actinic to the photosensitive material comprising said photosensitive sheet so as to prevent ambient light from striking the photosensitive material and are adapted to be, introduced into photographic apparatus such as a camera wherein the photosensitive sheet is photoexposed. The photosensitive sheet includes an area adapted to be photoexposed and the sheets are secured together preferably around the margins of this area. The sheets are separated during their introduction into the photographic apparatus through a passage provided in the apparatus for this purpose, preferably by moving the sheets commencing at their leading end against a means which extends between the sheets for stripping them apart and guiding them along separate paths. This type of film unit construction finds particular application in self-processing film units wherein a processing liquid, carried by the film unit, is distributed in a layer between the photosensitive and second sheets during withdrawal of the film unit from a camera and is effective, for example, to produce a positive photographic print in the second sheet. The processing liquid is supplied in a container associated with the film unit and is spread in a layer between the photosensitive and second sheets to form a sandwich by movement of the sheets in superposed relation between a pair of pressure-applying members. The processing liquid holds the sheets in superposed relation, therebymaking it possible for the film unit to remain in the presence of ambient light during a predetermined processing period, at the end of which the two sheets may be stripped apart.

A self processing film unit of this type is usually employed by introducing it into a camera through a passage in the camera housing, separating the sheets during introductory movement and, following the exposure of the photosensitive sheet, withdrawing the film unit from the camera through the passage. During the introduction of the film unit through a passage into the camera, the film unit must be engaged in such a maner as to prevent the admission of light through the passage into the camera. It has been proposed that the foregoing and additional operations be performed on the film unit by a device associated with the film unit and that such a device be so simply and inexpensively constructed that it is disposable following a single use.

An object of the invention is to provide, in a photographic film assemblage adapted to be introduced through a passage into photographic apparatus, and including a pair .of sheets secured in superposed relation, a device secured around one end section of said sheets for movement with respect tosaid sheets toward the other end thereof, the device mountinga rupturable fluid-carrying container between the sheets for movement with respect to the sheets ice and being adapted, during introductory movement of said sheets into said apparatus through said passage, to shield said passage against the admission of light and to separate said sheets from one another.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the above type adapted to be advanced between a pair of pressure-applying members for causing the discharge of the fluid contents from a rupturable container secured within said device between a pair of sheets.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the above type which is simply and inexpensively fabricated entirely of sheet material.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the product possessing the features, properties and the relation of components which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a photographic film assemblage embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of one component of the assemblage of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the assemblage of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view through a portion of photographic apparatus illustrating the assemblage of Fig. 1 in operative position within the apparatus;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing another form of film assemblage embodying the invention; and

Figs. 6 and 7 are, respectively, front and rear plan views of the film assemblage of Fig. 5.

Generally the product of the invention is in the form of a film unit comprising a photosensitive sheet, a second sheet secured in superposition with the photosensitive sheet and a device secured around said sheets adjacent one end thereof and providing a passage through which said sheets are movable, said device mounting a container of photographic fluid between the photosensitive and second sheets for movement with respect to said sheets toward the opposite end thereof. The aforementioned device may be adapted to the performance of a number of operations involved in the employment of the film unit and including, for example, retaining the two sheets with their leading ends initially separated, light-sealing a passage through which the sheets are introduced into photographic apparatus such as a camera, separating the sheets from one another and guiding them along separate paths during introduction into a camera, and aiding in the discharge and spreading of said liquid from said container between said sheets.

The photosensitive and second sheets and the photo graphic liquid may be so constituted as to effect a variety of photographic processes and are preferably adapted to the production of a photographic print on the second sheet by one of the transfer processes now well known in the art. In a preferred type of film unit, for example, the photosensitive sheet includes an emulsion of silver halide in which a latent image can be attained by differential exposure to actinic light, the second sheet includes an image-receptive stratum containing silver pre-' cipitating nuclei and the photographic liquid, spread in a layer between the emulsion and image-receptive stratum, includes a developer, a silver halide solvent and an alkali. In the presence of this layer of liquid, a latent image in the photosensitive layer is reduced to silver and a soluble silver complex, formed with the silver of unreduced silver halide, is transferred by imbibition to the image-receptive Patented Apr. 14, 1959- sesame stratum Jot theseeon'd shectand there is reduced to silver to. produce. .a positive image. Photographic materials generally useful in processes of this type are described in detail in Patents Nos. 2,543,181, issued February 27, 1951, -2,698,23-7and2,698,245, both issued December 28-, 1954,.all in the name of.Edw in H. Land.

A cameraof the. type with which the hereindisclosed film unit and device are adapted to be employed is de' scribed in the copending application of Edwin H. Land, Serial-No. 537,982, filed October '3, 1955, and includes a housing having a passage through which the superposed sheetsof' the film unit may be moved into position for exposure. The camera includes, in addition to means for separating the'sheets during movement into the camera, guide. means for positioning the two sheets apart from one another so that the photosensitive sheet may be exposed, and means for superposing the two sheets and spreading a liquid inathin layer between the sheets during withdrawal from the camera through the passage following photoexposure of the photosensitive sheet within'the camera.

The device of the invention is secured around the leading ends of the sheets, that is, the ends which are first introduced into thepassage. The camera includes a pair of pressure-applying members associated with the passage and adapted to be spaced apart so as not to apply compressive pressure to the film unit during introductory movement of the film unit. The leading ends of the film unit, together with the device of the invention and a container mounted therein, are introduced between the pressure-applying members so that the container is positioned on the inside of the members and the sheets are then moved through the device between the members, the deviceand container being held stationary and the sheets being separated during movement through the device. When. the sheets have been introduced as far as they will go and the photosensitive sheet is in position for exposure, the pressure-applying members may be moved into pressure engagement with the film unit in the region of the device, the trailing end of the sheets and a portion of the device projecting beyond the pressure-applying members where they may be manually grasped for withdrawing the film unit from the camera.

Reference is now madeto Figs. 1 through 4 of the drawings wherein there is shown one form of film embodying the present invention. The film unit, designated at 10, comprises a photosensitive sheet 12 and a second sheet 14 preferably coextensive with one another and secured together in superposed relation. Photosensitive sheet 12 comprises an outer backing plastic-material and an inner layer of photosensitive material in which a latent image can be attained by difierential exposure to actinic light. Second sheet 14 is adapted to. receive a photographic print and comprises an outer backinglayer and an inner layer comprising an imagereceptive material at least coextensive in area with the area-of the photosensitive material which is to be photoexposed. The backing layers are opaque to at least the wavelengths of light actinic to the photosensitive material so'that when the two sheets are secured in superposition the photosensitive material is shielded from ambient actinic light. The. photosensitive and image-receptive areas of the sheets are preferably located adjacent the leadingends ofathesheets, i.e., the ends first introduced into, a camera, and the. trailing ends of the sheets are ubs ant ll Perman ntly c r nge g her-'50.- asiQ-p npefly i e he phot sensitive, and mag -re ceptive, areas-withone another during withdrawal of the,

sheetsfromv thecamerafollowing exposure and to form aleader whichlemainsoutsideof the camera and which may The manually jgrasped. for withdrawing the sheets therefrom, lThe sheetsearesccured together, along their:

lateral margins andiat the trailing end by a suitable ad} layer of paper or thin sheet material having some rigidity'and strength.

The, term sheetmaterial is used. herein to mean ma terials, usually considered 'to be in sheet form such aspaper, plastic film and sheet metal, and having, length and width dimensions considerably greater than its thickness which may range, forexample, from .001 inchto .030 inch. The form of device shown is particularly adapted to fabrication of sheet materials which can be readily assembled, such as by cementing, heat sealing and the like. The sheet material comprising the device must be'opaque to actinic light in order for the device tofunction as a light seal; and, for example tough' black paper having a thickness of about nine thousandths' of an inch has been Device 18'is formed of'two preformed blanks of suitable sheet material assembled by cementing and comprises a generally rectangular forward wall 20 and rear wall 22 generally coextensive with one another and joined by: end walls 24 to form a passage through which sheets121 and 14 are movable in superposed relation and withinwhich the leading end sections of the sheets are initially:

dividedinto two sections, described for purposes 'of illus i.e., that section closest-the; leading ends of the sheets, and the trailing section. The-- tration as the leading section,

trailing section of each end wall 24 is comprised of afiap'26, on one end ofone of'the blanks comprising thedevice, folded around the end of the opposite blank and secured to the outer surface thereof. The trailing sections, of opposite end walls are comprised of flaps 26' on. oppt site ends of the two blanks, each blank being identical tobut reversed in position with respectto' the other-aud each having a single flap 26 at one end. end'sections of each end wall 24 are comprisedof apair of endfiaps 28, i.e., one on each of the blanks comprisingthe device, folded inwardly between the lateral margins'of sheets 12 and 14 and secured to one'another'to form a support for one end of a container located between the sheets. The trailing edge 30' of each flap 28 is inclinedobliquely toward the leading end of the film unit and;

performs a function to be described hereinafter.

Mounted within device 18 between the leading: end; portions of sheets 12 and 14 is a container 32carrying; a fluid for processing the photosensitive sheet. The-wontainer extends substantially from end to end ofthe device; and is provided with a rupturable mouth 34 through which the fluid contents of the container are ejected when it is subjected to opposed compressional forces. Dis charge'mouth 34 is at least equal inlength to thewidth' of the area of the sheets over which the fluid is to. bespread and is directed toward the leading end of the film unit. Container 32, in one form, is constructedf'rom:-

a blank' of three-ply sheet material having'a single fold;

The outerply serves as-a backing or support andis-comaluminum orlead foil, and the inner ply being, composed of a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic material; for exampleagpolyvinyl acetal; such: I lyv ni if m l ch p ec s th -awn n s nets;

from contamination. -At;.0 fip0 sitg ends ot-the conta' cr th Qs h ane g .a e'sea sdp o e h q te found satisfactory for thispurpose.

The leading r and. liquid as polyvinyl rbutyraljor the application of heat and pressure. Those two sections of the two folds defining mouth 34 are bonded together by a strip of adhesive so constituted that the bonding forces between it and the inner ply are less than the cohesive forces between end portions of the inner ply that are sealed together. Since the bonding forces between these sections defining the month are less than the bonding forces between other sections of the container, the application of opposed compressional forces to the container causes discharge of the container contents through its mouth.

It is desirable that mouth 34 rupture completely throughout its entire length in response to pressure generated within the fluid contents of the container due, for example, to the application of compressive pressure to the container commencing at the edge thereof opposite the mouth and progressing toward said mouth. For this reason the fluid is preferably quite viscous, having a viscosity ranging between 100 and 200,000 centipoises at a temperature of 20 C. In one form of processing fluid, for example comprising an alkaline aqueous solution of a silver halide developer and a silver halide solvent, a film-forming material, for example a water-soluble polymer such as a starch or gum, is provided for imparting the desired viscosity.

Container 32 is secured at its ends to end flaps 28, preferably between each of the flaps of each pair, so that sheets 12 and 14 are movable through device 18 on opposite sides of the container. In the initial form of film unit prior to its introduction into a camera, device 18 functions to hold the contiguous surfaces of the transverse portions of sheets 12 and 14 adjacent their leading ends in close contact with one another and in contact with container 32 whereby the leading end of the film unit is sealed against the admission of light between the sheets.

As mentioned above, sheets 12 and 14 are secured together at their lateral margins by binding tape 16 and are adapted to be stripped apart as they are moved through device 18. This separation of the sheets is effected by tearing or splitting tape 16 by advancing it against the oblique trailing edges 30 of end flaps 23 which extend between the lateral margins of the sheets.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4 of the drawings wherein there is illustrated schematically a portion of a camera typical of the apparatus with which film unit 10 is adapted to be employed and showing the film unit located in exposure position within the camera. The camera includes a rear wall 36 and an oblique side wall 38 cooperating with the rear wall to define a passage 40 through which the film unit is introduced into the camera. Guide tracks are provided in association with rear wall 36 for engaging the margins of photosensitive sheet 12 to position the latter for exposure and an intermediate side wall 42 is provided adjacent side wall 38 to form a chamber 44 within which second sheet 14 is positioned apart from sheet 12 during photoexposure of the latter. An end section 46 of intermediate wall 42 is generally wedge-shaped and extends into passage 40 for guiding sheet 12 into chamber 44 as the sheets are introduced into the camera. A pair of pressure-applying members comprising, for example in the form shown, a pair of rolls 48 are located adjacent the outside end of passage 40 on opposite sides thereof and are resiliently urged into juxtaposition so as to apply compressive pressure to a film unit during movement thereof through said passage. Means (not shown) may be provided in association with rolls 48 for resiliently urging the rolls toward one another and for spacing the rolls apart so that a film unit may be introduced into the camera between the rolls without applying compressive pressure to the film unit. Rolls 48, when urged into pressure-applying position, function as a light seal for passage 40, suitable means being provided for preventing the admission of light into the passage between the rolls and the walls of the camera.

In the employment of film unit 10 in association with a camera of the type shown to produce a photographic print, device 18, secured around the leading ends of sheets 12 and 14, is introduced between rolls 48 into passage 40 until the device is brought to rest, for example by stop members located within the passage and adapted to engage the ends of the device, with container 32 on the inside of the rolls. The sheets are then pushed through device 18 into the camera and are separated as they move through the device, photosensitive sheet 12 being guided into position for exposure and second sheet 14 being guided into chamber 44. In this position, the trailing ends of the sheets, together with a portion of the device, extend exteriorly of rolls 48 whereby the device and the sheets may be manually grasped for withdrawing them from the camera between the rolls. When the sheets comprising the film unit are in position for exposure, rolls 48 may be moved together into pressureapplying engagement with the device and photoexposure of the photosensitive sheet is made. Following exposure, the portion of the device extending exteriorly of rolls 48 is manually grasped and the device, together with the sheets, is withdrawn from the camera between the rolls. As the device is drawn between the rolls, compressive pressure is applied through the walls thereof to container 32, causing ejection of its fiuid contents between the sheets and continued movement of the sheets between the rolls causes spreading of the fluid in a thin layer between the sheets.

The combined thickness of the film unit in the region of container 32 including device 18, the walls of container 32 and sheets 12 and 14 is greater at the ends of the device than mediate the ends because of the double thickness of end flaps 28. In order to insure complete discharge of the fiuid contents of container 32 as it is advanced between a pair of pressure-applying members, a cover sheet 50 of a thickness equal to the sheet material comprising the device is folded around the container to accommodate for the added thickness of the film unit due to the extra layers comprising end flaps 28.

It is important that the layer of liquid spread between sheets 12 and 14, as the sheets are withdrawn from the camera between pressure-applying rolls 48, be of predetermined uniform thickness and that the liquid be prevented from escaping from between the sheets. This may be effected in the preferred form of film unit shown by providing binding tape 16 of a predetermined thickness, for example substantially equal to half the thickness of the layer of liquid to be spread. Thus, the two layers of binding tape at the lateral margins of the sheets function to space the rolls apart so as to control the thickness of the layer of liquid, while holding the contiguous surfaces of the lateral margins of the sheets in close contact so as to confine the liquid between the sheets and prevent it from escaping from between the margins thereof. As the film unit is withdrawn from the camera, the layer of processing liquid retains the two sheets in superposition, preventing ambient light from striking the photosensitive layer on sheet 12 during processing. At the end of a predetermined processing period, sheets 12 and 14 may be stripped apart and device 18 may be discarded.

Another form of film unit embodying the invention is designated at 52 in Figs. 5 through 7 of the drawings and comprises a photosensitive sheet 54 and a second sheet 56 secured in superposition with one another by binding tape 58 and a device 60 secured around the leading end sections of sheets 54 and 56. Device 60 is the substantial equivalent in function to device 18 but its construction, requiring no cementing, is such as to particularly adapt it to fabrication from thin sheet metal such as steel or aluminum. One example of a material found to be suitable for this purpose is SAE 1020 cold rolled sheet four-thousandths of an inch thick. Device 60 comprises a forward wall 62 and a rear wall 64 secured tcgctherion-opposite sidesiof the sheets, wall 62 being located adjacent second sheet 56 and wall 64 being located adjacent photosensitive sheet 54. Walls 62 and 64 define a narrow passage through w 'ch sheets 54 and 6 are movable and within which a container 66, carrying a quantity of processing liquid, is mounted between the sheets,

Device 60 comprises a pair of sheet metal blanks each, forming one of walls 62 and 6d and being joined to one another by folding portions of the two blanks. Each of the blanks is generally asymmetric about a transverse, line intermediate its ends. The blank comprising rear wall 64 is generally rectangular in shape, having a substantially straight longitudinal leading edge 68 located at the leading end of the film unit and a projecting Portion 70 extending mediate the ends of the blank to ward the trailing end of the film unit. Projecting longitudinally from each end of the blank (comprising wall 64)'and mediate the longitudinal edges of the blank is an extended section 72 adapted to be folded back upon itself to form a groove or channel through which one of the longitudinal margins of photosensitive sheet 54 is s-lidably retained. The overturned portion of section 72 which projects beyond the margins of the sheets is divided into three sections, a leading end section 74, a mediate section 76 and a trailing end section 78 having a trailing edge 80 extending obliquely toward the trailing end of the film unit. Sections 74, 76 and 78 function to grip and retain an end of container 66 in position between sheets 54 and 56, end sections 74 and 78 extending into engagement with the rear surface of the end portion of the container between it and sheet 54, while'mediate section 76 extends into engagement with the forward surface of the end portion of the container between the latter and sheet 56'. To accommodate the added thickness of the film unit in the region of the container resulting from the gripping of the container between mediate section 76 and end sections 74-and 78 of extended section 72 so as to insure the complete discharge of the fluid contents of the container in response to the application of comprehensive pressure through walls 62 and 64, there is folded around the container a cover sheet 82 preferably of paper and at least equal in thickness to the sheet metal comprising device 6%.

The blank comprising forward wall 62 is generally rectangular in shape and substantially equal in length to the above described blank comprising rear wall 64. Forward wall 62 includes a longitudinal leading edge 84 substantially coextensive with leading edge 68 and a medial projecting portion 86 extending toward the trailing end of the film unit. The blank comprising wall 62 is provided at each end with a short projection 88 located mediate its sides adjacent extended section 72 of the other blank and projecting outwardly so that its end edge is in substantial alignment with the overturned end of section 72. To retain the two blanks in facing relation on opposite sides of sheets 54 and 56 and to provideend walls for device 60, wall 62 is provided in each end with a projecting tab or flap fit) located adjacent the trailingedge of the wall and being folded rearwardly around the end portion of rear wall 64 into contact with the rear surface of the latter. The leading edge 92 of flap 96 engages a, portion of trailing edge 80 of extended section 72 respect to one another in one direction. Relative movementof the blanks in the opposite direction is prevented by providing at each end of rear wall 64 a tab 94 extending toward the trailing end of the film unit and being folded rearwardly into engagement with the rear surface of the overturned portion of flap 90. Movement of the device with respect to the sheets is prevented by providing means suchas a strip of tape fi6' attached to one wall fithe-deyice an one of'th h t ape 96 b ing r movable prior to introduction of the film unit into a camera.

Film-unit 52 is employed by introducing device 60 be so as to prevent movement of the two blanks withween the p e sur pp ying mem rs associated with, a P s age in, a cam r into the pa sa unt l ntainer 66 is on the inside of the members. To properly locate device 60 within the passage with projecting portion 86 extending exteriorly of the pressure-applying members, projecting portion 70 is folded back so as to be engaged by means associated with the camera housing and adapted to arrest the introductory movement of the device. When the device is properly positioned, sheets 54 and 56 arepushed through the device into the camera, binding tape 56 along the margins of the sheets being forced against trailing edges 86 of end section 78 for splitting the tape so that the sheets are separated from one another and may be guided along separate paths on opposite sides ofcontainer 66. When the sheets are properly positionedwithin the camera with their trailing ends projecting be yond the pressure-applying members, the members may be moved into pressure-applying engagement with the dc vice and photoexposure of the photosensitive sheet may be effected. Following photoexposure of the photosensitive sheet, the trailing ends of the sheets projecting exteriorly of the pressurepplying members and projecting portion 86 of the device are manually grasped for withdrawing the device, including container 66 together with the sheets, from the camera between the pressure-applying members for processing the film unit.

Since certain changes may be made in the above product without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shallbe interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. In a photographic film assemblage comprising a pair of sheets secured in superposition at their margins and adapted to be introduced into photographic apparatus, a device located around the leading end sections of said sheets and being movable with respect to said sheets toward the other end thereof, said device comprising two blanks of light-opaque sheet material secured together in facing relation so as to define a shallow passage at least equal in width to said sheets and through which said sheets are movable in substantially the plane of said sheets, said leading end sections of said sheets being located within said passage for movement therethrough in said plane, a collapsible fluid-filled container, said device including lateral edge portions of said blanks folded inwardly toward one another within said passage between the lateral margins of said sheets, said container being mounted on said edge portions between said sheets for movement with respect to said sheet, said lateral edge portions having edges extending substantially in said plane toward one another transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets through said passage in said plane for separating the margins of said sheets during movement thereof through said passage in said plane in the direction of said leading ends into a photographic apparatus.

2. A photographic film assemblage comprising, in combination, a photosensitive sheet, a second sheet superposed with said photosensitive sheet and secured thereto at the margins of said sheets, a device located around-the leading end portions of said sheets, said device compris ing two blanks of light opaque sheet material secured together in facing relation so as to define a shallow passage at least equal in width to the width of said sheets and'substantially shorter in length than said sheets, said leading end portion of said sheets being located within said passage and said sheets being movable therethrough in sub stantially the plane of said sheets, and a collapsible container carrying a fluid composition capable of processev ing saidphotosensitive sheet, said device including lata; era] edge 'pQI'iiOIISYOf said blanks folded inwardly and P j ting toward one another within said passage between the lateral margins of said sheets, said container being mounted at its ends between said sheets on said lateral edge portions for movement with respect to said sheets, said lateral edge portions having edges extending toward one another substantially in said plane transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets for separating said lateral margins of said sheets during movement thereof through said passage in said plane in the direction of said leading end into a photographic apparatus.

3. The film assemblage of claim 2 comprising binding tapes secured to said sheets along at least said lateral margins and wherein said lateral portions of said device project between said lateral margins with said edges in the path of movement of said binding tapes for splitting said binding tapes during movement of said sheets through said device.

4. The film assemblage of claim 2 wherein said sheet material comprising said device is paper.

5. The film assemblage of claim 2 wherein said sheet material comprising said device is paper which is opaque to light actinic to the photosensitive sheet and said device includes material for adhering said blanks together.

6. The film assemblage of claim 2 wherein said sheet material comprising said device is sheet metal.

7. The film assemblage of claim 2 wherein said sheet material comprising said device is a plastic film.

8. The film assemblage of claim 2 wherein said blanks comprising said device are generally rectangular, each of said blanks having a first extended section at each end and a second extended section at one end, said blanks being located in facing relation with said first extended sections of each blank being folded inwardly and secured to the first extended sections of the opposite blank, each of said lateral portions of said device projecting between one of the lateral margins of said sheets comprising a pair of said first extended sections secured together, said second extended sections of said blanks being located at opposite ends of said device, the second extended section of each blank being folded around and secured to the opposite blank so as to form end walls for said device.

' 9. The film assemblage of claim 8 wherein said blanks are formed of paper and include cement for securing together said first and second extended sections.

10. The film assemblage of claim 2 wherein said blanks comprising said device are generally rectangular and of sheet metal, said blanks being located in facing relation, oneof said blanks having a pair of projecting sections at its ends folded around the ends of the other of said blanks so as to retain said blanks together, said projecting sections defining end walls for said device, said other blank having an extended portion at each end folded inwardly between said blanks, said extended portions proecting toward one another between the margins of said sheets to define said lateral portions having edges extending transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets for separating said sheets during movement thereof through said device, each of said extended portions being divided into three sections for gripping one end of said container, said other blank having an element adjacent each end folded outwardly and back upon itself in interlocking engagement with one of said projecting sections of said one blank whereby movement of said blanks with respect to one another is prevented.

' 11. A photographic film assemblage adapted to be introduced into photographic apparatus through an opening therein, said film assemblage comprising, in combination, a photosensitive sheet, a second fluid-confining sheet superposed with said photosensitive sheet and secured thereto at the margins of said sheets, a device located around the leading end sections of said sheets and being movable with respect to said sheets toward the other end thereof, said device being so constructed that it may be introduced at least partially into said opening and including front and rear walls comprising blanks of light- 1O opaque sheet material secured together in facing relation so as to define a shallow passage at least equal in width to the width of said sheets, said leading end sections of said sheets being located within said passage for movement therethrough substantially in the plane of said sheets, a collapsible container carrying a fluid composition capable of processing said photosensitive sheet when spread between said photosensitive sheet and said second sheet, said device including lateral edge portions of said blanks folded inwardly and projecting toward one another within said passage between the lateral margins of said sheets, said container being mounted at its ends on said lateral edge portions between said sheets for movement with respect to said sheets, said lateral edge portions having edges extending substantially in said plane transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets through said passage for separating the margins of said sheets during introductory movement thereof through said passage in the direction of said leading ends into a photographic apparatus.

12. A photographic film assemblage comprising a photosensitive sheet and a second sheet secured in superposition with said photosensitive sheet at the margins of said sheets and adapted to be introduced into photographic apparatus through an opening therein, a device capable of being introduced into said opening so as to seal it against the admission of light and comprising a pair of blanks of light-opaque sheet material secured together in facing relation so as to define a shallow passage at least equal in width to the width of said sheets and substantially shorter in length than said sheets, the leading end portions of said sheets being located within said passage and said sheets being movable therethrough substantially in the plane of said sheets, and a collapsible container fabricated of sheet material and containing a fluid composition capable of processing said photosensitive sheet, said device including lateral edge portions of said blanks folded inwardly and projecting inwardly toward one another within said passage between the lateral margins of said sheets, said container being mounted at its ends between said sheets on said inwardly folded lateral edge portions for movement with respect to said sheets, said lateral edge portions having edges extending substantially in said plane transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets through said passage for separating said lateral margins of said sheets during movement thereof through said passage in the direction of said leading end into said photographic apparatus, said device being compressible so as to be movable with said sheets between a pair of pressure-applying members for causing the discharge of the fluid contents of said container between said sheets.

13. The film assemblage of claim 12 wherein said device and said container are so constructed and assembled that their combined thickness is substantially uniform throughout the Width of said device and said sheets in the region of said container for insuring complete discharge of the fluid contents of said container in response to advancement of said container and said device between a pair of pressure-applying members.

14. A photographic film assemblage comprising, in combination, a photosensitive sheet, a second sheet at least equal in width to said photosensitive sheet and secured thereto at the lateral margins of said sheets, a collapsible container fabricated entirely from sheet material and carrying a fiuid composition capable of processing said photosensitive sheet when spread thereon between said sheets, said container being adapted to discharge its fluid contents between said sheets in response to the application of compressive pressure to its walls, and a device located around one end portion of said sheets and being movable with respect to said sheets toward the opposite end thereof, said device comprising a pair of blanks fabricated entirely of light-opaque sheet ill material assembled in facing relation and defining a shallow passage through whichsaid sheets are movable substantially in the plane of said sheets, said device being at least'equal in width to the width of said sheets and in! cluding end portions of said blanks folded inwardly and projecting toward one another within said passage between the margins of mounted at its ends on said end portions between said sheets for movement with respect to said sheets, said end portions having edges extending substantially in said plane transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets through said passage for separating the margins of said sheets during movement thereof through said passage in the direction of said leading ends into a photographic apparatus, said device being movable with said sheets between a pair of pressure-applying members and being completely compressible for causing the discharge of the fluid contents of said container between said sheets.

15. The film assemblage of claim 14 wherein said device and said container are so constructed and assembled that their combined thickness is substantially uniform throughout the width of said device and said sheets in the region of said container for insuring complete discharge of the fluid contents of said container in response to advancement of said container and said device between a pair of pressure-applying members.

16. A photographic film assemblage adapted to be introduced into photographic apparatus through an opening therein and comprising a photosensitive sheet, a second sheet at least equal in width to said photosensitive sheet and superposed with said photosensitive sheet, and a binding tape securing said sheets in superposition along their lateral margins, a device located around the leading end sections or" said sheets and capable of being introduced into said opening for sealing it against the admission of light, said device comprising a pair of blanks of opaque sheet material secured together so as to provide side walls disposed on opposite sides of said sheets and end walls joining said side walls so as to define a passage, at least equal in width to the width of said sheets, within which the leading end sections of said sheets are positioned and through which said sheets are movable, said end walls including inwardly projecting members located within said passage and extending toward one another between the lateral margins of said sheets, each of said projecting members including an edge section extending transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets through said passage for splitting said binding tape and separating said sheets as they are moved through said passage, said end and side walls being so constructed as to engage said sheets in a lighttight fashion to prevent the admission of light through said passage into said apparatus, and a collapsible container fabricated of sheet material and containing a fluid composition capable of processing said photosensitive sheet, said container being adapted to discharge its fluid contents in response to the application of compressive pressure to its walls, said container being mounted at its ends on said projecting members between said sheets for movement together with said device with respect to said sheets, said device being so constructed as to be movable with said sheets between a pair of pressure-applying members for causing the discharge of the fluid contents of said container between said sheets.

17. A photographic film assemblage comprising, in combination, posed with said photosensitive sheet andmeans at the lateral margins of said sheets for securing themin superposition, a device located around one end portion of said sheets, said device comprising a pair of generally rectangular blanks of sheet material each having a first extended section at each end other in facing relation and defining a passage within said sheets, said container being a photosensitive sheet, a second'sheetsuper and a second extendedsec' tiOnatone end, said blanks being secured to-one ll" which said one end portion of said sheets is locatedaint: through which said sheets are movable, said first extended" sections of each blank being folded inwardly and secured to the first extended sections of the opposite blank, said folded sections comprising inwardly projecting members located within said passage and extending toward one an-: other between the lateral margins of said sheets, said projecting members having edge portions extending} transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets through said passage for separating the margins of said sheets during movement of said sheets through said pas; sage, said blanks each having one of said second extend ed sections located respectively at opposite ends thereof, the second extended section of each blank being folded around and secured to the opposite blank, said first and second extended sections forming end walls for said de-:, vice, and a collapsible container carrying a fluid composition capable of processing said photosensitive sheet, said container being mounted at its ends on said projecting members between said sheets for movement with respect to said sheets.

18. The photographic film assemblage of claim 17 wherein said sheet material comprising said blanks is paper and said blanks are adhered together at said first, and second extended sections.

19. A photographic film assemblage comprising, in combination, a photosensitive sheet, a second sheet superposed With said photosensitive sheet and secured thereto at the lateral margins of said sheets, a device located, around one end portion of said sheets, said device com! prising a pair of generally rectangular blanks of sheetmetal secured to one another in facing relation so as to define a passage through which said sheets are movable, one of said blanks having a pair of projecting sections at its ends folded around the ends of the other ofsaid blanks so as to retain said blanks together, said projecta ing sections forming end walls for said device, said other blank having an extended portion at each end folded in wardly between said blanks, said extended portions pro-- jecting toward one another between the margins of said sheets and having edge portions extending transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets through said passage for separating the margins of said sheets during movement thereof through said passage, and a collapsible container carrying a fluid composition capable of proccessing said photosensitive sheet, each of said extended portions comprising three sections for gripping one end of said container, said container being mounted at its ends on said extended portions between said sheets for move! ment with respect to said sheets, said other blankhaving an element adjacent each end folded outwardly and backupon itself in interlocking engagement with one of said; projecting sections of said one blank whereby movement of said blanks with respect to one another is prevented.

20. A photographic film assemblage adapted to be in troduced into photographic apparatus through an open ing therein, said film assemblage comprising, in combina tion, a photosensitive sheet, a second sheet superposed with said photosensitive sheet, and a' binding tape securing said sheets in superposition at their lateral margins, a collapsible container fabricated from sheet material and carrying a fluid composition said sheets, said container being adapted to discharge its fluid contents between vsaid sheets in response-to the application of compressive device secured around one pressure to its walls,

end portion of said shefe sheet material assembled so as to define a passage at least equal in width to the width of said sheets and through", which said sheets are movable, said device comprising a p of g n ly rectangular blanks-each havinsafirst extend ds ction at e h, en and a second exteadedsee tion at one end, said blanks being located in iac ns pre capable of processing saidphotosensitive sheet when distributed thereon between lation with said first extended sections of each blank being folded inwardly and secured to the first extended sections of the opposite blanks, said first extended sections comprising inwardly projecting members located within said passage and extending toward one another between the margins of said sheets, said projecting members having edge portions extending transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets through said passage for splitting said binding tape during movement of said sheets through said passage, each of said blanks comprising said device having one of said second extended sections located respectively at opposite ends thereof, the second extended section of each blank being folded around and secured to the opposite blank forming end walls for said device, said container being mounted at its ends on said projecting members between said sheets for movement with respect to said sheets, said device being so constructed as to be movable with said sheets between a pair of pressure-applying members for causing the discharge of the fluid contents of said container between said sheets, the combined thickness of said container and said device being substantially uniform throughout the width of said device and said sheets in the region of said container for insuring complete discharge of the fluid contents of said container in response to advancement of said sheets, said container and said device between a pair of pressure-applying members.

21. The film assemblage of claim 20 wherein said sheet material comprising said blanks is paper and said blanks are substantially identical in shape.

22. A photographic film assemblage adapted to be introduced into photographic apparatus through an opening therein, said film assemblage comprising, in combination, a photosensitive sheet, a second sheet substantially equal in width to said photosensitive sheet and superposed with said photosensitive sheet and binding tape securing said sheets in superposition at their lateral margins, a collapsible container fabricated from sheet material and carrying a fluid composition capable of processing said photosensitive sheet when distributed thereon between said sheets, said container being adapted to discharge its fluid contents between said sheets in response to the application of compressive pressure to its walls, a device located around one end portion of said sheets, said device comprising a pair of generally rectangular blanks of sheet metal assembled in facing relation and defining a passage at least equal in width to the width of said sheets and through which said sheets are movable, one of said blanks having a pair of projecting sections at its ends folded around the ends of the other of said blanks so as to retain said blanks together, said projecting sections forming end Walls for said device, said other blank having an extended portion at each end folded inwardly between said blanks, said extended portions projecting toward one another between the margins of said sheets and having edge portions extending transversely of the direction of movement of said sheets through said passage for splitting said binding tape during movement of said sheets through said device, each of said extended portions comprising three sections for gripping one end of said container, said container being mounted at its ends on said extended portions between said sheets for movement with respect to said sheets, said other blank having an element adjacent each end folded outwardly and back upon itself in interlocking engagement with one of said projecting sections of said one blank whereby movement of said blanks with respect to one another is prevented, said device being so constructed as to be movable with said sheets between a pair of pressureapplying members for causing the discharge of the fluid contents of said container between said sheets.

23. The film assemblage of claim 22 wherein said container and said device are so constructed and assembled that their combined thickness is substantially uniform throughout the width of said device and said sheets in the region of said container for insuring complete discharge of the fluid contents of said container in response to advancement of said sheets, said container and said device between a pair of pressure-applying members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,209,914 Gerber et a1. July 30, 1940 2,472,358 Wolfi June 7, 1949 2,609,296 Land Sept. 2, 1952 2,616,805 Land Nov. 4, 1952 2,659,825 Land Nov. 17, 1953 2,669,516 Land Feb. 16, 1954 

1. IN A PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM ASSEMBLAGE COMPRISING A PAIR OF SHEETS SECURED IN SUPERPOSITION AT THEIR MARGINS AND ADAPTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, A DEVICE LOCATED AROUND THE LEADING END SECTIONS OF SAID SHEETS AND BEING MOVABLE WITH RESPECT TO SAID SHEETS TOWARD THE OTHER END THEREOF, SAID DEVICE COMPRISING TWO BLANKS OF LIGHT-OPAGUE SHEET MATERIAL SECURED TOGETHER IN FACING RELATION SO AS TO DEFINE A SHALLOW PASSAGE AT LEAST EQUAL IN WIDTH TO SAID SHEETS AND THROUGH WHICH SAID SHEETS ARE MOVABLE IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE PLANE OF SAID SHEETS, SAID LEADING END SECTIONS OF SAID SHEETS BEING LOCATED WITHIN SAID PASSAGE FOR MOVEMENT THERETHROUGH IN SAID PLANE, A COLLAPSIBLE FLUID-FILLED CONTAINER, SAID DE- 